How To Write Motivation Letter For Scholarship 2024: Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to learn how to write motivation letter for scholarship that impresses the committee and secures your funding, you should read this till the end. 

A motivation letter, also known as a statement of purpose or a personal statement, is a vital document that can make or break your chances of getting a scholarship. 

It is a letter that explains why you are applying for the scholarship, what are your goals and achievements, and how the scholarship will help you pursue your academic and career aspirations.

It is not just a summary of your resume or a list of your grades. 

It is a personal and persuasive document that showcases your personality, your passion, and your potential. 

Also, it tells a story about you and why you deserve the scholarship.

But how do you write a motivation letter that stands out from the crowd and convinces the scholarship committee that you are the best candidate for the award? 

Let’s look at the step-by-step processes on how to write motivation letter for scholarship

How To Write Motivation Letter For Scholarship

Here are some tips and steps to help you craft a winning motivation letter for scholarship.

1. Find out about the Scholarship Program Very well

Before you start writing your motivation letter, you need to do some research on the scholarship and the institution that is offering it. 

You need to know the following information:

  • What are the objectives and values of the scholarship and the institution?
  • What are the eligibility criteria and the selection process for the scholarship?
  •  What are the expectations and requirements for the scholarship recipients?
  • What are the benefits and opportunities that the scholarship provides?

2. Brainstorm and Outline Your Main Points

We are on the step of how to write motivation letter for scholarship 

After you have done your research, you need to brainstorm and outline the main points that you want to include in your motivation letter. 

You need to answer the following questions:

  • Why are you applying for the scholarship?
  • What are your academic and professional goals and how do they align with the scholarship and the institution?
  • What are your achievements and skills that demonstrate your suitability for the scholarship?
  • How will the scholarship help you achieve your goals and contribute to your field of study or your community?
  • how to write motivation letter for scholarship
    how to write motivation letter for scholarship

3. Write the Introduction

The introduction is the first paragraph of your motivation letter, and it is the most important one. 

It is your opportunity to grab the attention of the scholarship committee and make a good first impression. 

You need to make your introduction engaging, concise, and clear. 

Here is an example of a possible introduction for your motivation letter:

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

This quote has inspired me since I was a child, and it has motivated me to pursue my passion for environmental engineering. 

I am applying for the Canadian scholarship for Nigerian Students to pursue a master’s degree in environmental engineering at the University of Oxford, where I hope to gain advanced knowledge and skills in sustainable development and renewable energy and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. 

In this letter, I will explain my academic and professional background, my achievements and skills, and my motivation and plans for the future.

4. Write the Body Paragraphs

The next step on how to write motivation letter for scholarship is to write the body of your letter. 

The body paragraphs are the main part of your motivation letter, where you provide evidence and examples to support your thesis statement. 

Write at least three body paragraphs, each focusing on one main point that you outlined in the introduction. 

Here is an example of a possible body paragraph for your motivation letter:

My interest in environmental engineering started from at an early age, when I witnessed the effects of pollution and deforestation in my hometown. 

According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria ranks among the top 10 countries with the worst air quality in the world, with an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 124.4 μg/m3, which is more than 12 times the recommended limit. 

This alarming situation motivated me to learn more about the causes and consequences of environmental degradation, and to seek solutions to improve the quality of life and the health of the people and the planet. 

This passion for environmental engineering led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the University of Lagos, where I excelled academically and professionally.

5. Write the Conclusion

The conclusion is the last paragraph of your motivation letter, and it is your final chance to persuade the scholarship committee that you are the best candidate for the award. 

Make your conclusion memorable, concise, and clear. 

Something like 

To sum up, I am applying for the XYZ scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in environmental engineering at the University of Oxford, where I hope to gain advanced knowledge and skills in sustainable development and renewable energy, and contribute to the global efforts to combat climate change. 

I have demonstrated my academic excellence, my professional experience, my leadership potential, and my passion for environmental engineering throughout my education and career. 

Also, I believe that the XYZ scholarship will provide me with the opportunity to further my education, expand my network, and enhance my impact in my field of study and my community. 

I am confident that I meet the criteria and the expectations for the XYZ scholarship, and I am eager to join the prestigious community of the University of Oxford. 

I would appreciate it if you could consider my application and contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Sincerely, 

Your Name.

6. Proofread and Edit Your Motivation Letter

The final step of writing your motivation letter is to proofread and edit it. 

You need to check your motivation letter for any spelling, grammar, punctuation, or formatting errors. 

Also, check your motivation letter for any content, structure, or style issues. 

Ensure that your motivation letter is clear, coherent, concise, and compelling. 

 You can also ask someone else, such as a friend, a teacher, or a mentor, to review your motivation letter and give you feedback.

Conclusion on How to Write Motivation Letter for Scholarship

Writing a motivation letter for scholarship can be a challenging and rewarding task. 

It can help you showcase your personality, your passion, and your potential, and convince the scholarship committee that you are the best candidate for the award. 

When you follow the steps and tips in this article on how to write motivation letter for scholarship, you can write a well-structured and informative motivation letter that provides valuable insights and guidance for readers. 

However, remember to research the scholarship and the institution, brainstorm and outline your main points, write the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, and proofread and edit your motivation letter. We hope that this article has helped you with writing your motivation letter for scholarship.

We wish you good luck with your application. 

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